Date & Time: Thursday, May 16, 2024. 6:30pm PDT

Location: Multnomah Arts Center (7688 Southwest Capitol Highway, Portland, OR), Room 30

Cost: This is a free event, and there’s no need to RSVP. This meeting is open to CBBG members only. If you are not a member but would like to become one, click here.

Description: Dave Ketah, Tlingit artist, will present his personal journey, and how his career as an artist is a product of surprising opportunities. His art follows the tradition of Tlingit carving and design. He moved out of Alaska nearly 32 years ago, and when he occasionally attempted to make connections with his heritage and culture, he would find little. All of that changed almost exactly four years ago. Since then, he has had amazing opportunities that have propelled him into success as an artist.

Eechdaa Dave Ketah was born and raised in Ketchikan, AK. He was given his Tlingit name by his paternal grand-mother. She also introduced him to the richness of his heritage. The currents of life in the modern world led him to settle in Portland, OR, where he is a high school teacher. In recent years, he became immersed in the design and carving tradition of his ancestors. He works with a variety of materials, yet mostly in wood. Eechdaa seeks to join those who carry Tlingit tradition, language, and creativity forward while raising up the next generation of culture bearers. 

Social time is 6:30-7pm, followed by a short business meeting. The program will begin about 7:15pm and usually runs about 45 minutes plus questions and discussion.

Photo of the artist Dave Ketah.